As a pianist, he had a distinctive and influential style (the song title "Splanky" is an onomatopoetic reference to the sound of his playing), equally at home in the barrelhouse and the concert hall. Willie "The Lion" Smith, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller were among his influences.
As a bandleader, he created an organization (built upon the remains of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra) that was a favorite both of dancers and of vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and, of course, Billie Holiday. Equally important, it kept many musicians employed through lean years. Many jazz musicians of note built their chops and earned their bread and butter in Basie's organization.
In addition to Basie, the swinging "All American Rhythm Section" of his orchestra included greats such as Walter Page (bass), Jo Jones (drums), and Freddie Green (guitar). It was the greatest, most swinging rhythm sections in the history of jazz. Chief among its vocalists were, first, Jimmy Rushing and, later, Joe Williams. Over the years it boasted sidemen and soloists like Herschel Evans (tenor sax), Lester Young (tenor sax), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor sax), Buddy Tate (tenor sax), Illinois Jacquet (tenor sax), Earle Warren (alto sax), Jack Washington (alto & baritone sax), Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet), Buck Clayton (trumpet), Thad Jones (trumpet), Snooky Young (trumpet), Benny Morton (trombone), Benny Powell (trombone), and Dicky Wells (trombone).
Basie also collaborated with artists such as Zoot Sims and Oscar Peterson, and recorded with ensembles large and small, including the Count Basie Trio, the Count Basie Sextet, and the Kansas City Seven. Notable arrangers included Eddie Durham (who helped shape the Basie Orchestra's sound) and Neal Hefti.
Danny Boy
Count Basie Lyrics
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From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The summer's gone, and all the roses falling,
It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow,
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying,
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
You'll come and find the place where I am lying,
And kneel and say an Ave there for me.
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,
For you will bend and tell me that you love me,
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!
The song "Danny Boy" is a classic Irish ballad that has been performed by many artists over the years, including Count Basie & His Orchestra. The song tells the story of a lover saying goodbye to his beloved Danny as he heads off on a journey. The pipes are calling him from glen to glen, and summer is ending, with all the roses falling. The singer must stay while Danny goes, but asks him to return when the valley is white with snow or when summer comes back around, promising to be there whether in sunshine or shadow.
The song takes a melancholic turn towards the end, as the singer reflects on the possibility of dying before Danny's return. If that were to happen, the singer asks that Danny come and find him, saying an Ave over his grave. The singer imagines that even in death, he will hear Danny's footsteps above him and feel comforted by the sound. When Danny leans down to say he loves him, the singer will finally be able to sleep in peace until they are reunited.
Overall, "Danny Boy" is a song about love, loss, and the hope of being reunited with someone who is dear to you. The emotional depth of the lyrics is enhanced by the melancholic melody, making the song a poignant tribute to the power of love and the bonds that connect us even beyond death.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
Oh, Danny boy, the sound of the pipes is calling out to you
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The sound echoes through the valleys and mountainsides
The summer's gone, and all the roses falling,
The summer has passed and the flowers are dying
It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.
You must leave and I must stay behind
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
But please come back to me when the meadow is filled with summer
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow,
Or when the snow has covered the valley in silence
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
I'll be here waiting for you no matter the weather or time of day
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!
Oh, Danny boy, my love for you is strong!
But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying,
But if you come back and the flowers are dead
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
If I am dead, which is a possibility
You'll come and find the place where I am lying,
You'll come and find my grave
And kneel and say an Ave there for me.
And kneel and say a prayer for me there
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,
And I will hear you, even if you step lightly above me
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,
And my resting place will feel warmer and sweeter
For you will bend and tell me that you love me,
Because you will visit me and express your love for me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!
And I will rest in peace until the day you join me
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FREDERICK E WEATHERLY, TAISUKE SAWACHIKA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind